These printable handouts are available now by saving from this post and printing them yourself, or contacting raysacorg@gmail.com with a request to have them printed and delivered to you, absolutely free. Help us get the word out about this rising trend in Fentanyl overdoses!
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We often talk about how things like addiction, stigma, or life-threatening overdose can harm a person with an opioid use disorder. Opioid addiction also affects people who are not currently misusing any substances, but who know somebody with an opioid use disorder. The impact on loved ones is sometimes called the “ripple effect.”
Here are some ways that opioid misuse can impact an entire community:
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When children live in a home where opioids or other drugs are misused, they are more likely to experience trauma-related health problems later in life.¹ Growing up in a home with drug misuse is classified as an Adverse Childhood Experience (or “ACE”). ACEs are stressful, traumatic events that raise a child’s risk of many long-term health issues. For example, a 2019 CDC report estimated that nearly 2 million cases of coronary heart disease and 21 million cases of depression “would have been potentially avoided by preventing adverse childhood experiences.”¹
To be clear, ACEs include many other kinds of traumatic events as well. Opioid misuse in the home is just one of many factors that contribute to trauma-related health problems. And just because a child has witnessed drug misuse at home does not mean he or she will definitely have heart disease or depression later. Any ACEs increase a child’s risk for future health problems. But protective factors – like a supportive relationship with an adult – can enable a child to thrive in the face of hardship.
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Opioid use during pregnancy can affect both the mother and her child in the womb. Babies who are exposed to opioids in the womb may show signs of withdrawal in the first few days after birth. This is called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), which can involve vomiting, tremors, sleep problems, seizures, and other symptoms. Opioid misuse by pregnant mothers has also been linked to preterm birth and stillbirth.² Opioid-related NAS occurs after being exposured to opioids long-term, so opioids that are given by a doctor at the time of delivery do not cause NAS.
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Opioid use during pregnancy can affect both the mother and her child in the womb. Babies who are exposed to opioids in the womb may show signs of withdrawal in the first few days after birth. This is called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), which can involve vomiting, tremors, sleep problems, seizures, and other symptoms. Opioid misuse by pregnant mothers has also been linked to preterm birth and stillbirth.² Opioid-related NAS occurs after being exposured to opioids long-term, so opioids that are given by a doctor at the time of delivery do not cause NAS.
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Sadly, opioid misuse and addiction sometimes cause parents to be unable to take care of their children. In situations like these, children may be placed the foster care system. The US Children’s Bureau estimates that drug misuse by parents contributed to 35% of all cases where a child was placed in foster care in 2020.³
Although many children are placed in foster care, others are cared for by extended family members outside of formal foster care. This is known as kinship care. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives fall into this category if they give primary support and care for a child without the parent being present. According to the non-profit group Grandfamilies.org, more than 62,000 grandparents were responsible for their grandchildren in Virginia as of 2021.⁴ Both foster parenting and kinship parenting can be challenging, but resources for help are available! NewFound Families Virginia has a list of state-wide resources on their website: click here[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”16px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Opioid misuse affects everyone in our community. Even if you do not personally know somebody harmed by opioids, the collective impacts and costs to our society are very real. We can all help build a healthier community by staying informed, continuing to learn, and helping each other. To learn more…
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”8px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”16px||0px||false|false” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]References:
1. Merrick, M.T., Ford, D.C., Ports, K.A., et al. (2019). Vital Signs. Estimated Proportion of Adult Health Problems Attributable to Adverse Childhood Experiences and Implications for Prevention — 25 States, 2015–2017. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 68(44): 999-1005. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6844e1
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). About Opioid Use During Pregnancy. https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/opioids/basics.html
3. Children’s Bureau, under the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. (2021). AFCARS Report: Preliminary estimates for FY 2020 as of October 4, 2021. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/afcarsreport28.pdf
4. Grandfamilies.org. (July 2021). Virginia GrandFacts State Fact Sheet. http://www.grandfamilies.org/Portals/0/State%20Fact%20Sheets/Virginia%20GrandFacts%20State%20Fact%20Sheet%2007.21%20Update.pdf[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||12px||false|false” global_module=”6021″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ header_4_font=”Times New Roman||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#000000″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Everything on this website is for informational purposes only. Nothing on this site is intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment offered by physicians. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment, including any prescription medications.
If you or someone you know has a problem with opioid use or other substance use, find treatment options near you by visiting www.findtreatment.gov
If you are feeling suicidal or in emotional distress, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. In emergencies, dial 911.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||12px||false|false” global_module=”5903″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”double” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”notranslate” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” custom_css_after=”||” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22border_color_top%22%93}”]
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You can view translations of our RADARs by using the flag menu in the upper right corner, or by clicking one of the following links:
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Thanksgiving is coming up very soon! We are excited for all the turkey, stuffing, vegetables, casseroles, cranberry sauce, and of course the pumpkin pie. But don’t forget the attitude behind this holiday. We celebrate Thanksgiving to show gratitude for all the good things we have been given.
It can be easy to focus on the negative things in life, which is why being thankful and recognizing the good things is so important. Scientific research supports the common sense that thankfulness and wellness go together like pumpkin pie and whipped cream. In fact, one scientific review found that gratitude has a positive impact on heart health,¹ while another study showed that gratitude is related to decreased risks for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicidal ideation.² There’s no doubt that thankfulness is good for you.
We have gathered seven fun ideas to help you and your loved ones give thanks this Thanksgiving. Check out these ideas in the slideshow below, and try adding one to your holiday celebrations this year. Happy Thanksgiving, from all of us at RAYSAC!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slider _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”0px” button_text_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” button_bg_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” button_border_color=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” button_use_icon=”off” hover_enabled=”0″ border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_slide heading=”Appreciation Hot Seat” use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/OlderAdultsFoodSafetyBooklet.png” background_enable_image=”on” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]
Write down the names of every person at the table on pieces of paper. Randomly give each person one piece of paper with someone else’s name. Then everyone takes turns saying something about they appreciate about that person. This is a great way to let loved ones know that they are important to you!
Tip: Even if a guest does not know their person very well, honest compliments can be very meaningful. Try something simple, like “I really enjoyed that funny story you told” or “Thanks for bringing this delicious pie!”
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Thankful %22Guess Who?%22″ use_bg_overlay=”on” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/The-Fishbowl-Game-Ideas-Questions-Rules-and-How-to-Play.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]Have each person write something they are thankful for on a folded piece of paper. Put each person’s paper in a bowl and pass it around the table so that everyone picks a random paper. Then, everyone takes turns reading what is written on their paper and tries to guess who wrote it.
Tip: Be as specific as possible when you write what you are thankful for. It would be hard for the person guessing if several players wrote that they were thankful for “family”!
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Add something you can write on to the centerpiece of your dinner table. It could be something like a pumpkin or some paper leaves. Have each dinner guest write something they are thankful for with a felt tip marker. This will turn your Thanksgiving dinner decoration into a reminder of everything you are grateful for!
Tip: Have your family members add one thing each day leading up to Thanksgiving. You might be surprised at how many things you have when it’s finished.
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Thankful Treasure Hunt” use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Treasure_Map.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on” title_text=”Treasure_Map” use_text_overlay=”off” bg_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.5)” sticky_enabled=”0″]
This one is great for kids! Have each player make a list of things they are thankful for. For the treasure hunt, it helps to write physical things instead of abstract things like “my health” or “good grades”. Then each player searches to find the items on their gratitude list. Or for a bigger challenge, have the players find things from other players’ lists!
Tip: You can also suggest gratitude items for your kids to look for. See if they can find something that reminds them of a happy memory, something that makes them feel good about who they are, and something that makes them feel safe.
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Thanksgiving Tablecloth” use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/priscilla-du-preez-bJPn27RFg0Y-unsplash-scaled-1.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]
Find a large, white tablecloth or a sheet of wrapping paper. Have everyone write things they are thankful for on the tablecloth with a felt tip marker. This is a great reminder of everything you are thankful for, and you can keep adding to it every Thanksgiving!
Tip: Once the tablecloth is full or when you are not using it, you can hang it on a wall in your home. It makes for a great decoration and a reminder to be grateful year-round.
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”%22The Thankies%22 Awards Ceremony” use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/278378710-696×492-1.jpeg” background_enable_image=”on” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]
Think of sincere reasons that you appreciate each person in your family or group. Decide on an award title to give each person, such as “Best Hugs,” “Best Encourager,” or “Tastiest Snacks,” and print a certificate for each award. On Thanksgiving, have an awards ceremony where each person receives their certificate. You can make it as casual or as formal as you want!
Tip: Instead of certificates, you can also buy or make trophies for the awards. Try golden turkey trophies, or any design you want!
[/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Thanksgiving Show and Tell” use_bg_overlay=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Thanksgiving-Family-Meal.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]Ask your dinner guests to bring an item that represents something they are thankful for. It could be a favorite book, a photograph, a letter, a favorite toy, or anything meaningful to them. When everyone is together, have each person show their item and share why they are thankful.
Tip: For an extra challenge, see if each person can remember what everyone before them said!
[/et_pb_slide][/et_pb_slider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]References:
1. (2021). Effect of gratitude on cardiovascular health outcomes: a state-of-the-science review. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 16(3). 348-355. doi: 10.1080/17439760.2020.1716054
2. McGuire, A.P., Fogle, B.M., Tsai, J., Southwick, S.M., & Pietrzak, R.H. (2021). Dispositional gratitude and mental health in the U.S. veteran population: Results from the National Health and Resilience Veterans Study. Journal of Psyhiatric Research, 135. 279-288. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.01.020
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”5026″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”25px” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_bg_color=”#dddddd” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/RAYSACVa/” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/raysacva” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https://www.instagram.com/raysacva/” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Teens who start drinking at ages 15 or 16 are six times more likely to become alcohol dependent than adults who started drinking after age 21.
1 in 4 car crashes with teenagers involve an underage drunk driver
Teen drinking kills about 4,300 people each year – more than all illegal drugs combined.
One-third of all teen deaths involving alcohol are a result of underage drinking.
Many youth do not believe cannabis impairs driving ability
– Share real stories involving underage drinking/impaired driving.
-Kristin Mallory’s Story of being involved in a drunk driving crash in Chesterfield. Made by Malory’s Movement Against Drunk Driving, YOVASO and the VA State Police ( 9:30 minutes long)
-MADD Volunteer Debbie Sausville tells the story of her 16 yr old daughter Lauren who died in an impaired driving crash. (19:30 minutes long)
– Host a class room discussion where students debate about underage drinking.
– Set up role play scenarios with real life situations that teens can be or have been in.
– Incorporate a link to the teen booklet and/or parent handbook(s) in an email distribution list of parents or students in conjunction with your activities.
Resources for Parents and Adults
Handbooks, Topical Guides and Videos
Myths and Facts About the 21 minimum drinking age
Resources for Youth
Power of Youth Resources free online
Myths vs Facts brochure for teens
MADD’s Power of Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Presentation is available via Zoom- FREE and on demand
Based on the Power of Youth handbook, this 40 min presentation covers why underage drinking and cannabis use is bad for teen brains, consequences, peer pressure and protecting themselves and their friends.
Email cristi.cousins@madd.org or call 804-353-7121 x 5153
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Click here for more information on healthy parenting to prevent drug abuse!
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Teenage years can be an exciting time for growth and learning, but it can also be one of the most difficult. As they try to find their place in the world, they face pressures of changing times, changing norms, and never ending peer pressure. It is often at this time where they may start to experiment with drugs and alcohol. The average age of first use for marijuana is 14 and alcohol can start as early as 122. Teens start using for a variety of reasons such as boredom, depression, curiosity, stress, and/or peer pressure2.
Adolescents are very talented at hiding what they are doing and there are many products available at home, in stores, and online that help with this process. These items usually look like ordinary household items that are often undetected by parents. Below are a few examples of items that are most used to conceal illegal drug or alcohol use:
Unfortunately, this is not a complete list of all the items that can be hidden in plain sight in any teenage room; there are many, many more. Parents, please be aware and make yourself familiar with these items. As always talk to your children about the dangers of substance abuse.
References:
The rate of overdoses related to prescription painkillers and other opioids within the U.S has increased over the past two decades; where an average of 91 Americans die from an opioid overdose each day.1 The term ‘opioid’ is becoming an everyday term heard on a multitude of media platforms. It is seen and heard on the news, social media, and in our music on a regular basis. Blame for this epidemic is being placed on many different institutions including the government and pharmaceutical companies. But the question is how is the media’s influence affecting our communities and perceptions?
Stigma is a topic of discussion that is commonly associated with the opioid epidemic. The news outlets tend to paint a picture of opioid abusers and make it hard for individuals suffering to seek out help. One article stated that, “more that 80% of stories included a depiction of a single opioid abuser, with two-thirds painting a portrait of a person involved in a criminal activity”.4 This accusation makes it difficult for the public to see that this epidemic is affecting every population and not just convicted criminals.
Social media is known to be a source for updating users on news, allowing for open discussion, and for talking about observations and feelings. One study was able to conclude that the opioid epidemic is talked about online in a variety of topics, including ‘how to abuse opioids’. This was followed by the social impact of opioid abuse and then opioid withdrawal. It also concluded that anonymous accounts are used most for one-time posting which may contain sensitive information specific to the user.3 This indicated that there is still a sense of shame and stigma surrounding opioid use.
Music is another media outlet that has the ability to connect topics to a wide range of people. It can serve as an outlet for people to escape their world. But substance use and abuse can be seen through many genres. A 30 year study was able to conclude that the mention of opioid drugs and medications emerged in the late 1990s. Since then, 57.1% of opioid-referencing songs mention opioid medication and not heroin or street slang2. As more and more lyrics contain the use of opioids the question remains; how is this affecting our youth?
Media is influential and all need to be careful and pay attention to how it affects them. Parents should continue to monitor what your child is reading, watching, and/or listening too. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.
References:
1. AAMC. (2019). Responding to the opioids epidemic through education, Association of American Medical Colleges. 14 May 2019. https://news.aamc.org/for-the-media/article/medical-schools-address-opioid-epidemic/
2. Hamba, C., Hanba, D., (2018). Opioid drug prevalence in top 40’s music: a 30 year review. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. September 2018, 31(5) 761-767. https://www.jabfm.org/content/31/5/761.short
3. Pandrekar, S., Chen, X., Gopalkrishna, G., Srivastava, A., Saltz, M., Saltz, J., & Wang, F. (2018). Social Media Based Analysis of Opioid Epidemic Using Reddit. AMIA. Annual Symposium proceedings. AMIA Symposium, December 2018, 867–876. https://ww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6371364/
4. Pharmacy times. (2016). How the media frames opioid abuse. Pharmacy Times. 10 January 2016. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/news/how-the-media-frames-opioid-abuse
There’s a newish term for the period between ages 18-29: emerging adulthood. During these years, emerging adults travel a path during which they want to pull away from the struggles of their teenage years and feel more responsible for themselves, but are also still closely tied to their parents and family. According to the American Psychological Association, emerging adulthood is defined as an:
Many emerging adults have more choices than ever before. They may find themselves continually searching for the absolute “perfect fit” when it comes to career, marriage, or parenthood. Parents, though, may feel frustrated or impatient with the slow progress of their emerging adult’s development. Peers may want to help but might not know how, as they are trying to figure out their own path. This leads us to the important question:
How can parents and peers best support emerging adults?
It is important to trust your emerging adult to create their own life. After all your hard work of building a solid foundation for them, it’s time to sit back and watch them fly. It won’t be easy, but it’s worth it. It’s not giving up, it’s giving them control.
Parents, be there for your emerging adults. They still need you!